Analysis
Trinity's marketing program launches graduates into the 95th percentile nationally and 80th percentile in Texas for earnings—impressive numbers that place them ahead of UT Austin and just behind Baylor. At $55,928 in year one, these graduates earn 25% more than the typical marketing major in Texas and substantially outperform the national median of $44,728. The debt load of $23,500 is manageable, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.42 that allows most graduates to pay off loans within a reasonable timeframe.
The catch here is sample size: with fewer than 30 graduates tracked, these figures could swing significantly year to year. Marketing programs can also vary wildly in quality and network effects matter considerably—Trinity's 28% admission rate and strong SAT scores suggest a peer group that may open doors beyond the classroom. The 8% earnings growth to year four is modest but steady, reaching $60,350 without the dramatic jumps you'd see in fields like tech or finance.
For families weighing Trinity's price tag against state schools, this data suggests the investment pays off if your child wants marketing specifically. The earnings gap versus Texas A&M ($9,000+ advantage) could justify higher tuition, though TCU's graduates still command a significant premium over Trinity's. Just remember these numbers represent a small cohort—future outcomes could vary.
Where Trinity University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all marketing bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Trinity University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trinity University | $55,928 | $60,350 | +8% |
| Southern Methodist University | $50,790 | $83,357 | +64% |
| Texas Christian University | $68,497 | $81,394 | +19% |
| The University of Texas at Austin | $59,428 | $74,178 | +25% |
| Texas Tech University | $49,773 | $64,758 | +30% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Texas
Marketing bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Texas (57 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $51,352 | $55,928 | $60,350 | $23,500 | 0.42 | |
| $57,220 | $68,497 | $81,394 | $19,250 | 0.28 | |
| — | $63,570 | $53,053 | $45,070 | 0.71 | |
| $11,678 | $59,428 | $74,178 | $19,625 | 0.33 | |
| $54,844 | $57,162 | $59,964 | $21,775 | 0.38 | |
| $13,099 | $51,465 | $61,801 | $19,896 | 0.39 | |
| National Median | — | $44,728 | — | $24,267 | 0.54 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with marketing graduates
Advertising and Promotions Managers
Marketing Managers
Sales Managers
Fundraising Managers
Web and Digital Interface Designers
Video Game Designers
Business Teachers, Postsecondary
Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists
Search Marketing Strategists
Fundraisers
Survey Researchers
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Trinity University, approximately 16% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Sample Size: Based on 26 graduates with reported earnings and 27 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.